Brief Description

The mission of the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) is to provide individualized rehabilitation services that result in optimal employment and independent living outcomes for citizens who are blind or visually impaired.

SBVI has offices in Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, where the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind is also located.

Hours of operation: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.Staff description: Twelve staff located in four district offices provide services across the state with consumers either in their homes or communities; twelve staff members at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Sioux Falls provide vocational and skills and alternative skills of blindness training; four administrative staff located centrally in Pierre provide supervision and program management.Geographic area served: South Dakota.

Services Offered

Services for Adults

Assessment

Assessment for vocational, low vision and independent living skills.
Services Available
All services must be part of an Individualized Plan for Employment or an Independent Living Plan, and must be jointly agreed to by the consumer and counselor/rehabilitation teacher.

Braille and Reading Instruction

Braille and reading instruction falls under the category of communication services which is determined for each individual to achieve their vocational, low vision and independent living skills.
All services must be part of an Individualized Plan for Employment or an Independent Living Plan, and must be jointly agreed to by the consumer and counselor/rehabilitation teacher.

Computer Training/Assistive Technology

Assessment and training for assistive technology devices and services. Service may include an evaluation of an individual, and acquistion of the assistive technology device. Examples of devices include canes, slates, magnifiers, adaptive cooking items, handwriting guides, and computers.

Counseling

Offers help with transition and personal adjustment skills and vocational, peer, and family counseling. For additional information, please go to our website at http://dhs.sd.gov/sbvi/

Information and referral services may be the only service necessary for some individuals, and includes training for other professionals, telephone inquiries, and general inquiries.

Low Vision Services

Low Vision Services are designed to benefit those persons whose ability to function in everyday tasks has been compromised by impaired vision. Low vision services include a visual examination conducted by a trained specialist in the field of low vision, assessment of visual functioning of individual needs and goals, prescriptions for specialized low vision devices, and individualized training.

Reading Services

Reading services are a supportive service, and are available to an eligible individual while actively participating in the program or attaining their employment or independent living goals.

Services for Seniors

Consumers and rehabilitation teachers determine which independent living services will assist consumers in achieving their goals and enhance their ability to remain living on their own.

Travel/Orientation and Mobility

Orientation and mobility, and travel training are skills taught in order to access public or private transportation, and to travel safely and as independently as possible, in the home or community, with or without the use of mobility aids and devices.

Services for Professionals

Professional Training

The Divison of Services to the Blind and Visually Impairs provides professional training to their staff based on their positions and level of interest.

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South Dakota Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired - AFB Directory Profile

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Our Mission

The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. We mobilize leaders, advance understanding, and champion impactful policies and practices using research and data.